Chelsea are to attempt to sign Alberto Aquilani from Liverpool, with Andre Villas reportedly growing increasingly unsure about spending £40m on Luka Modric.
While the plan is to bring the Italian to Stamford Bridge on loan, Aquilani is said to be reluctant to go anywhere on a temporary transfer after spending a year in Turin with Juventus.
Quite understandably, Aquilani wants his future resolved on a permanent basis, so whether Liverpool would accept the offer remains unclear.
However, Villas Boas is looking to alter Chelsea’s style of play to a more fluid passing game – rather than the physically dominant, direct attack they currently employ.
Though given little chance to impress on Merseyside, Aquilani has still proven his capability in fitting in with that methodology.
Furthermore, concerns over his fitness would be allayed with either Oriol Romeu, Frank Lampard or Jon Obi Mikel alongside him.
Michael Essien, of course, is out of action until next year with a cruciate knee ligament injury, but Josh McEachran has stepped up to the plate nicely.
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is more than aware of the pressing need to cut down on his overstaffed midfield, and could see an Aquilani loan as key in that aim.
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